Go for it. Play hopscotch. Walk a tightrope. Practice downward dog. Do it all right downtown in the middle of the street. No worries. There won't be traffic, but you ay need to dodge a bouncing ball or two (or ten) on your way to a unicycle or yoga mat. Thanks to the hard work of Jess Mathews, Transit Columbus Board Member, the Open Street Project will roll into Columbus on September 21. Oh, and the Open Streets path leads right to Independents' Day, so you know it's gonna be great.

Cbus will be one of more than 100 communities across the country to celebrate the Open Streets Project. This grassroots initiative temporarily closes streets to automobile traffic, so that people may use them for walking, bicycling, dancing, playing and socializing. The community comes together to look at innovative solutions for environmental, social, economic and public health issues. And, what's not to enjoy about dancing in the streets with your hula-hoop?

Just remember, people traffic replaces car traffic, and the streets turn into an urban playground. This multi-generational crosses social, economic and ethnic backgrounds, as everyone has fun together. 

The party footprint begins at 10 a.m. on September 21 on Rich Street, right downtown. Dance, walk, skateboard right on down the street and across the river into Franklinton. But don't forget to stop along the way to enjoy all kinds of family-friendly activities. Once in Franklinton, more fun awaits, and if (it's a big if, people) you finish Open Street fun, you're in luck because Independents' Day will be rocking out their new Franklinton home.

If you want to keep up on the latest, make sure to follow Open Streets Columbus on Facebook. While you're there, give 'em a like. If you wanna support the initiative, donate here. You'll be in good company with event sponsors Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, People For Bikes, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and New Belgium Brewing Company.